The COVID-19 pandemic forced many companies worldwide to shift their normal operations to remote work. This move prompted HR departments to re-evaluate their work from home policies. While work from home arrangements have existed for some time in some industries, HR teams suddenly had to adapt to this new reality quickly.
Now that workplaces (in some parts of the world) are starting to resume in-person work, HR departments are considering whether to continue work from home arrangements. In this blog post, we will explore the pros and cons of having HR personnel working from home.
Pros of HR Working From Home
Cost Savings
HR departments are not immune to the cost of running a physical office. Rent, electricity, and office supplies can be considerable expenses. Allowing HR personnel to work from home can help the company save money it would have spent on rent, utilities, and furniture.
Better Work-Life Balance
Working from home can give HR personnel the flexibility to set hours that best suit their personal situation. This flexibility allows workers to create a more balanced work-life arrangement by eliminating commuting time and providing more time with family.
Increased Productivity
People who work from home are free from the distractions of a physical office environment. A quieter and more relaxed environment, coupled with fewer interruptions, can lead to an increase in productivity. This benefit can be especially critical for HR departments dealing with confidential issues.
Reduced Turnover
Providing work from home arrangements is a significant employee benefit that can increase employee retention. Employees appreciate the flexibility of being able to work from home—a luxury they may not find at other companies. HR personnel are no different and likely prefer remote working.
Cons of HR Working From Home
Isolation
Working from home can be isolating, leading to a lack of collaboration and communication. Losing the ability to communicate directly with colleagues can be detrimental to employee morale.
Reduced Creativity
Creativity is often spurred by the exchange of ideas in the office. Work from home arrangements may seem stifling and reduce creativity, resulting in fewer innovative ideas from HR personnel.
Communication Challenges
Remote work can present communication challenges compared to in-person communication. HR duties may require face-to-face communication to ensure active listening or to ensure company processes are clear and well-understood.
Data Security Risks
HR departments contain sensitive and confidential information, so a secure data environment is crucial. Employing secure data channels can be more challenging when remote work is involved. HR personnel need to communicate confidential information on a regular basis, making the secure transfer of data a significant advantage of an in-office setting.
Conclusion
The pros of work from home for HR departments are clear. Cost savings, better work-life balance, increased productivity, and reduced turnover are all excellent benefits that can lead to a more effective HR department. However, the cons of work from home shouldn’t be ignored—especially for an HR department—since connectivity and human interaction are essential to many of the HR’s tasks.
The key is finding the right balance between remote work and in-office work that suits an organization’s needs. The decision depends on multiple factors, but HR heads need to deliberate carefully and consider employee needs before making the final call. The HR department is critical, and their work directly impacts the organization’s success, so every step counts.